amp wiring question.

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Jan 22, 2008 | 05:45 PM

#11

poppakristof

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Joined: Dec 2007

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From: Libertyville, IL

If amp A is 40 and amp B is 50 yes, a 90 would be used just after the battery.
You could use the corresponding 40 and 50 fuse to each amp after the block.

Jan 22, 2008 | 06:39 PM

#12

wayland1985

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Joined: Jul 2007

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From: Boston, MA

The amplifiers should tell you what gauge wire to use.

In my truck, I had 1/0 gauge going to a fused distribution block. My mono amp took 4 gauge, and my 4 channel took 8 gauge.

I had to run a long distance, and wanted upgradability, hence the 1/0 gauge.

As already said, if you need a 40 and 50 amp fuse, put a 90 amp within 12 inches of the battery terminal. Then, put your 40 and 50 amp fuses in their respective homes in a fused distribution block.

As for grounding, (i'm going above and beyond the call of duty here!), the same gauge wire that goes in, must come out. Also, make sure the ground wire is less than 3 feet long.

Jan 22, 2008 | 06:43 PM

#13

wayland1985

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Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 3,193

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From: Boston, MA

PS what exactly are the amps you're using (Model and Brand)? Just so we can be sure we have all the right numbers here.

Did you get in touch with Knukonceptz?

Jan 22, 2008 | 07:08 PM

#14

grodgers

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Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 122

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From: Plano, TX

Being kind of an engineer, i'd do the following..

Quote:

Originally Posted by poppakristof

If you know the fuse recommended for each amp, add them together to give you what you need to run at the main.
i.e. 20a +30a = 50a at the main.
For double protection, add fuses right before each amp rated for it if you want.

I'd fuse the battery feed at some rated fuse that is just below the current handling capabilitie of your main battery feed cable. This prevents your main feed from drawing too much current, overheating, and turning that big wire into a big arc welder. Put your main fuse RIGHT NEXT TO THE BATTERY. THIS IS IMPORTANT!

I'd then run big enough feeds to handle the maximum current draw from the distribution block to each amp. Each amp may or may not have different feeds. FUSE EACH FEED to the amp with a fuse rating equal to, or just short of, the maximum current draw - to protect your amp.

There are NO generic "run xx from the batt and yy and zz to each amp" - fuse ratings should solely be determined by current handling capacities. Remember, if in doubt UNDER fuse (use a SMALLER rated fuse). It's better to blow a fuse at an inopportune time than it is to have your 1/0 gauge power lead welded to your frame (and your car burning on the side of the highway).